1984 #3

Syme is both similar and dissimilar to Winston. They are similar in that both of them recognize the paradox behind doublethink; Syme is different in that he believes that this is fine - or "doubleplusgood." This is illustrated by his brief discussion on duckspeak. He calls it "one of those interesting words that have two contradictory meanings" (54). Syme recognizes the contradiction in the party's statements and words; he is an intelligent, thinking man. He is aware of the paradox in doublethink, yet he believes that this paradox is correct. Winston describes Syme as lacking "a sort of saving stupidity" (55). Because Syme knows how the party functions, he is in danger. He is highly intelligent and understands the party, so despite his support for everything they are doing, he is more forthright with the party's goals than the party itself, and therefore, Winston believes, will be eliminated. Syme is the intelligent supporter of stupidity: his discussions on language illustrate that, despite his recognition of everything the party is trying to hide, he still supports the party; indeed, he supports the party because of the very concepts Winston is attempting to resist, and that is the difference between Syme and Winston.